Former President George H.W. Bush will spend Christmas Day in the hospital, after a series of setbacks prolonged his now monthlong stay, his spokesman said Monday.

Jim McGrath, Bush's spokesman in Houston, said early last week that doctors expected him to be released from The Methodist Hospital in time for Christmas Day. But the 88-year-old had a series of days last week when he felt weak and then he developed a fever.

"We were hoping he would get out before Christmas," McGrath said. "He has had a couple of setbacks that have complicated the timeline for his discharge."

McGrath said Bush's age was an overriding consideration. Bush was admitted to the hospital on Nov. 23 with a bronchitis-related cough and has remained there to regain strength. His fever seems to be under control but a discharge date has not yet been set.

Bush's wife, Barbara, and other family members plan to spend the day with him Tuesday to celebrate the holiday.

"It's been frustrating for everybody. We want him out, but we don't want him out prematurely," McGrath said. "He's the most relentlessly positive person you will ever meet, but he does not like sitting in one place for too long."